3 Ways to Practice Recycling in the Workplace
For Global Recycling Day 2020, it got us thinking, how can we be more environmentally friendly in the office? No matter the size of your business, there is likely always something you can do to improve your recycling programme. In a time where recycling seems more important than ever, we thought we’d put together a blog on ways to practice recycling in the workplace.
Introduce Recycling Bins into Every Room
Convenience is key in encouraging people to recycle. Place recycling bins in every room in the office to ensure that wastepaper is not just simply binned. Alternatively, the best way to become environmentally friendly in the office is to go paperless. Although this may not always be possible, why not try introducing a ‘think before you print’ message as a friendly reminder! Every time you print, make sure to ask yourself whether you really need that hardcopy. However, it is still important to note that sometimes you may need to print a hardcopy, particularly if the user is visually impaired or has sensory issues. Top tip: If printing a draft hardcopy, make sure to do it on some scrap paper.
Reuse Old Office Supplies
It is not uncommon for businesses to throw away binders and file folders after one use. Why not provide label stickers so that employees can write over them when they require them for something else? It is also worth having a box filled with odd bits such as paper clips, pens, pencils, rubber bands, blue stack, staples etc. Each month, the contents of the box should be sorted and placed into a central location. This will encourage employees to ‘shop’ in the box before purchasing new supplies.
Conduct a Waste Audit
Before your company goes about reducing waste, it may be beneficial to conduct a waste audit. This helps you to identify what type and the quantity of waste your company produces (e.g. food, paper, plastic etc.). The audit will measure how much you recycle verses how much goes into landfill. This is a great way to help measure the effectiveness of your current system in place. Through doing a waste audit, your company will be able to identify the current issues you have as well as highlighting any potential opportunities to increase your recycling.
If you are interested in preserving the environment and want to appreciate the green spaces in Manchester, check out our blog on the Top 10 Parks and Nature Attractions in Greater Manchester.
